Crews building Trump border wall in drought-hit New Mexico ordered to stop drilling wells
Residents and farmers say contractors have tapped border aquifers that threaten water supply for those nearby
TL;DR
- Border wall construction crews in New Mexico ordered to stop drilling new wells.
- Ranchers expressed concerns that pumping groundwater for construction could threaten livestock amid a severe drought.
- Allegations of unmonitored tapping of border aquifers were raised at a public meeting.
- Cattle rancher Russell Johnson noted an industrial well on leased grazing land pumping 300 gallons per minute.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated contractors have been instructed to cease new well drilling.
- CBP claims water is needed for concrete production, roads, barriers, and dust control.
- New Mexico's state engineer office found at least six wells under development along the border without permits.
- The state engineer's office requires permits for all non-tribal wells in New Mexico.